“Hadley!” Elissa’s voice came through, brimming with relief. “I finally got you!”

Hadley smiled, understanding instantly. After the incident, Elissa had been worried sick.

Ernest, Nyla, and Melba had all called earlier to check on her. Her heart warmed, touched by their care.

She softened her voice. “Colleen didn’t tell you? I’m okay.”

“Yes, she did!” Elissa laughed, teasing her. “But I just needed to hear your voice! You should have called me!”

“You’re right…” Hadley chuckled, apologizing quickly. “My bad, I forgot. Sorry—don’t be upset.”

“It’s fine.”

Elissa wasn’t mad at all; she was just happy to hear Hadley’s voice. After some lighthearted banter, Hadley hung up and slipped the phone back into her pocket.

Then she froze. Where was Eric’s bracelet? It was supposed to be in her pocket with the phone. How could it be missing?

She set the phone aside and frantically checked both pockets—nothing. She only had these two pockets, so where could it be? Had she lost it?

“Hadley?” Zane asked, confused. “What are you looking for?”

“I’m looking for…” Hadley’s voice was urgent. “A peach pit tied to a braided bracelet!” She rummaged through her pockets again as she spoke. “It was right…”

“Calm down.” Zane leaned down, scanning the floor near her feet. He picked something up and handed it to her. “Is this it?”

Upon hearing this, Hadley focused her gaze—and sure enough, it was. Before putting it into her pocket, she had carefully rinsed it; it was still slightly damp.

“Yes!” Hadley beamed, eagerly accepting it. “Thanks so much, Zane!”

Relief washed over her—it hadn’t been lost after all.

Fresh updates loaded gα?ησν?s?c?m

.

.

.

“You’re welcome.” Zane smiled and shook his head with gentle amusement. “It probably slipped out of your pocket when you took out your phone earlier.”

He wondered why she seemed so attached to such an ordinary-looking item. When she couldn’t find it moments ago, her face had drained of all color. The question escaped before he could stop himself. “Is this an antique? Something passed down in your family?”

Hadley blinked in surprise and shook her head quickly. “No, I made it myself.” Her voice carried a note of quiet pride.

“Oh. Okay.” The response came out slightly bewildered.

Zane found himself even more confused than before. She had crafted this herself? The thought lingered in his mind.

Meanwhile, in Srixby, Elissa glanced at her watch. Lunch break was nearly finished. She tucked her phone away and headed back toward the office.

“Elissa!” A voice rang out across the workspace.

.

.

.